In interview with Al Jazeera

President Pezeshkian says Israeli aggression strengthens Iranian national unity

President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that the Zionist regimes aggression against Iran contrary to their initial expectations has strengthened the national unity of the Iranian people

In an interview with Qatar’s Al Jazeera media network, President Pezeshkian emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek war, but if war is imposed, it will defend the territorial integrity and dignity of the Iranian nation with full strength. The president also responded to questions on Iran’s stance on negotiations, the impacts of the Zionist regime's aggression on Iranian society, and the Islamic Republic's approach to establishing a framework for regional security.

 The full text of the interview is as follows:

 Al Jazeera: We conduct an exclusive interview with the President who was targeted in an assassination attempt just a few weeks ago; an act that, according to official sources, was designed by the Israeli regime.

 President Pezeshkian: In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. First of all, I greet you, dear people, who are listening to us and seeing our image. What happened a few weeks ago was an aggression by the Zionist regime against our country; an act that disregarded all international laws. This incident has led me, as a physician now responsible for the country, to the realization that in the confrontations with the Zionist regime and the great powers, especially the United States, no law or framework is adhered to. They can easily disregard all laws, attack people's homes, and damage places where, according to those very laws, they have no right to attack.The claims made regarding diplomacy and human rights hold no significance for them in practice, and they can easily bypass all these concepts. If they can, they are willing to remove anyone who stands in the way of their objectives. However, what God wants is naturally not what they desire. God has outlined a path for our country, our sovereignty, and our course that will lead to dignity and pride. Certainly, this path is intertwined with divine will.In that incident, they initially targeted our military commanders, then assassinated our scientists, and ultimately intended to harm politicians as well, to bring our country into chaos, as they believed. But God did not allow it, and His will acts above any plot or conspiracy. 

Al Jazeera: From your perspective, was the main goal of this operation merely the assassination of the President of Iran, or were there broader objectives, such as the overthrow of the entire Islamic Republic system? 

President Pezeshkian: Well, naturally, what you see is that the United States, during the Trump administration, explicitly stated that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. What they are doing today with widespread propaganda and international maneuvering is to scare the world and the region and lead minds to believe that Iran is a threat; that Iran wants to produce nuclear weapons, that Iran wants to plunge the region into chaos.Meanwhile, we are the victims of terrorism. We have not initiated insecurity. It is Israel that has been the source of war, tension, and instability in the region, causing disasters based on the same policies and plans they have harbored for a long time; the same scheme they have in mind for domination from the Nile to the Euphrates.In our policy, in the roadmap of the Islamic Republic of Iran, such a thought has never existed, does not exist, and will not exist. We have always respected the borders and territorial integrity of all Islamic countries and even non-Islamic countries. We have never initiated a war; we have always defended ourselves. However, if Israel gains power, it will target not only us but all Islamic countries to achieve its sinister intentions, and this has been proven in practice. Syria was a country that engaged in dialogue with them, even negotiated with the United States, but the question is, why is Syria being attacked? Why is the land of Syria being leveled? Do they have the right to do this? The world, which sees all these events, must ask on what basis of international law such atrocities are occurring against the people of Palestine, Gaza, Syria, and even Iran? And if these behaviors end with us today, will they stop tomorrow? Rest assured, if they achieve their goals, they will also invade other Islamic countries. This is something I fully understand.

 Al Jazeera: Let me ask a direct question, Doctor. This analysis has been raised multiple times that the main goal of this war, at least from Israel's perspective and not necessarily that of the U.S., is to overthrow the Islamic Republic system in Iran. Is this analysis the official position of the Islamic Republic of Iran, or should it be considered more of a media interpretation or an elite analysis?

 President Pezeshkian: You see, there is no doubt that Israel is trying to fragment powers in the region. The discussion about nuclear weapons, threats, or similar issues are all just excuses. What did they think when they targeted our law enforcement centers? Why did they bomb the water facilities in Tehran to prevent water from reaching the people? Why did they strike the prisons? What crime had the prisoners committed? Which side of this conflict were the people present at those centers on that they were attacked? In my view, the main goal was to create unrest and tension in the country; bombing from one side, targeting commanders from another, with the assumption that Iran would be paralyzed defensively, leading the people to protest. Simultaneously, in every region, ethnic groups would rise and demand autonomy. However, they are unaware that all those who live in this land are committed to Iran and are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend it. You know well that we have dissatisfaction in our country; there are discontented people due to actions we have sometimes taken, and because of encounters we should not have had. Even those who were in prison, those who had problems with us, defended the country with all their might during this aggression perpetrated by the Zionist regime and the US They defended Iran and condemned the attack. Even if we had no achievements in this war, the fact that it united the nation in defense of territorial integrity was our greatest achievement. What is Israel currently seeking in Syria? They want to fragment it. What are they seeking in Palestine? They intend to drive the people from their land. The atrocities occurring there are evidence of those intentions. And if one day it comes to analyzing that, we should also talk about what they want to do in Lebanon. 

Al Jazeera: Do you believe that the Zionist regime intends to fragment Iran as well?

 President Pezeshkian: Not just in Iran; I believe that Israel's vision extends beyond this. Isn't the slogan "from the Nile to the Euphrates" associated with Israel? So how do they intend to achieve such a goal? Naturally, they must weaken these countries, keep them in a state of weakness, and then proceed with the course they have taken. They are committing acts of aggression every day while simultaneously portraying themselves globally as victims, as if they are defending themselves; yet within the region, they commit every type of aggression and violence they can. Look at Gaza. What crime have innocent children committed? They are dying of hunger. Where are these international organizations, this human rights advocacy that prevents water and food from reaching women and children in front of the eyes of the world? Are they a threat to Israel? Are they military forces? Do they intend to wage war? They are in their own land. Which law permits such behavior? Which humanity justifies such treatment? I truly feel ashamed; if someone is human, they wouldn't even behave in such a way toward non-human beings as Israel does toward humans today. They kill women and children in front of the eyes of the world. You know better yourself. You broadcast the images. A child is dying of hunger, but under which law are they prevented from receiving water and food? They kill journalists; is this self-defense? This regime has harmed diplomacy, democracy, human rights, and all recognized international principles. Why should we turn against each other? Why should we fight among ourselves? In our elections, we had a slogan: unity, cohesion at home, and the belief that Iran belongs to all Iranians, not just one faction or a specific group. Furthermore, we believe that we are brothers with our neighboring countries. We can live together in peace and tranquility. In Kurdistan, we are kin with the Kurds across the border. In Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijanis on both sides of the border are relatives. The same goes for Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. We all come from the same root. Now they have drawn borders; that's fine; borders are where they are, but we are brothers and sisters. Our religion, beliefs, and convictions are shared. There is no need for us to fight each other. We should help one another in social, scientific, economic, political, and cultural matters. This is our belief.But Israel is not like this. Israel is a cancerous tumor. It was created from the beginning through aggression and occupation of Muslim lands and is still not satisfied with what it has taken. It wants more every day. Its excuse is that others threaten it. But in reality, it is the one that has driven people from their land and then claims that they are the threats. If someone is driven from their own home, what should that person do? Should they say, ‘Yes, goodbye, you were right?’ This is Israel's true intention. 

Al Jazeera: I want to return to the war that began. We truly saw that this war started with a large-scale attack by Israel; with the assassination of military personnel in Iran, and then the attack on military, security, and even economic centers, to the extent that places where people gathered were also targeted. Ultimately, we reached the same meeting that you attended; a meeting with senior officials of the system, where they tried to assassinate the political figures of the country as well. Here, a serious issue arises; both inside and outside the country, the influence of Israel. Some believe that Israel has been able to infiltrate inside Iran, or in other words, has been successful in the "shadow war." How do you assess this issue? Especially considering that some officials of the Islamic Republic have also stated that yes, there is infiltration, and we are working to prevent it.

 President Pezeshkian: What you refer to as infiltration is naturally a matter of doubt. All governments in all countries have networks; this is a well-known rule. You know well that a few years ago, even the offices of European heads of state were being eavesdropped by the US But how such a catastrophe has occurred today is not just a matter of infiltration in my view; rather, the more effective factor is technology. Technologies that we sometimes have consciously and sometimes unconsciously, and that we carry with us constantly. Just as they used pagers in Lebanon; they utilized tools available to the people and detonated them whenever they wanted.These mobile phones we carry can easily monitor human habits, resting places, movements, and lifestyles of individuals; and then based on this data, they execute their sinister plans. Therefore, it has not only been infiltration that has made these incidents possible, but also the technologies that they currently possess, which are ultimately controlled and guided by the US and major powers.These tools enable actions that in the past would have required hundreds of human resources to carry out. Now, with this technology, they are able to accomplish tasks that we witness today. But I must return to the main issue: if these individuals are human and have any sense of humanity, if they have a problem with me, what animosity do they have against my family? Under which international law is it permissible to sacrifice a family or a neighborhood because of one person?These behaviors are neither defensible nor justifiable. How do some foreign media sit and defend such inhumane behaviors? How do global powers support these atrocities and provide the means for slaughter? Where in the world is such a thing acceptable? If someone is to be killed in the battlefield, they should fight with someone who is engaged with them, not with innocent women and children, and then those who commit such atrocities speak in the media about democracy, human rights, and children. If in Iran, during an incident, an individual loses their life, they use that one event to accuse the entire nation, the entire system, and the whole country of human rights violations. If we made a mistake, we accepted it, but does that mean that we are all corrupt and anti-human? Meanwhile, they kill hundreds and thousands of people daily in front of the eyes of the world, and the so-called civilized world remains completely silent.Yes, there is infiltration. It exists everywhere. But the tools and technology that exist today are more dangerous than the infiltration itself. No one knows whether the tools sold to Muslim countries will work if one day their owners decide not to use them or want to stop them. It is enough for a small piece to be embedded in them; if their intentions do not align with ours, they can disable the device remotely or even destroy it.We only imagine that they are giving us tools, while that is not the case. This is something that all Islamic countries must realize; they are never seeking to help us Muslims with good intentions.

 Al Jazeera: Mr. President, there is an important question. From the moment the war began and after it reached a ceasefire, the narrative of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding this conflict has been one of victory. We have repeatedly heard from Iranian officials that the Islamic Republic has won this war. The question is, given all the damages incurred, the assassinations that have taken place inside the country, the economic, military, security, and even human losses, on what basis is this narrative of victory founded? Exactly on what indicator or reality can it be said that Iran has emerged victorious in this war?

 President Pezeshkian: No war has a winner. Did they win?

 Al Jazeera: They say we have won.

 President Pezeshkian: We repelled them, and God repelled them from us. They struck once, and we struck back. They suffered the same damages that we did. But the difference is that we did not act against human laws, while they violated every human law. We did not attack any homes there; we did not bomb the area; we did not destroy water and civilian infrastructure. But they did everything they could. To say they won? We hit them, and they hit us. But we achieved an important victory: the cohesion and unity that emerged in the country. This unity, this strength, did not exist at this level before. If you look at it from this angle, we are victorious. In terms of damage, yes, they harmed us, and we harmed them. If they thought they could continue the war to the end, they certainly would; just as they drop bombs on innocent people in Gaza every day. Because those people have no power to defend themselves, because they have nothing. What crime have they committed that they must be targeted every day? Why don’t they leave them alone? Therefore, it is not true that they have won and we have lost. They struck, and we struck back. They were harmed, and we were harmed. But we had a significant achievement: breaking the Iron Dome and the grandeur they had built around themselves. Despite all the support they received from the US and others, their dome was not iron; not only their Iron Dome but also the domes built in the region with their help could not withstand. This is an honorable achievement that was accomplished with the expertise of our own specialists. That is why they are hostile toward our scientists. They do not want awareness and understanding to grow in Islamic societies. They want servants, but Muslims will not submit to any power. Someone who bows before God will not bow their head before the servants of God. This is a belief we hold. What Israel did to us strengthened our internal cohesion and unity. Even neighboring countries, Muslim countries, the majority expressed sympathy for us in this matter and condemned the Zionist regime decisively; unanimously and unprecedentedly. It has never been the case that countries in the region have supported Iran so explicitly. Because they knew who the aggressor was. We were at the negotiating table. We were engaged in dialogue. They attacked us treacherously. Of course, we do not see any manliness in them to say they acted dishonorably. We do not see humanity in them either. They have merely donned the false garments of human rights and humanity. At the very least, humanity requires that they do not cut off water, food, and medicine to a civilian area. The least they could do is not let children starve to death. This is one of the most basic things. 

Al Jazeera: Some countries in the region have said that Israel has requested a ceasefire from them. Has such a request been officially communicated to the Islamic Republic of Iran through these countries during the war? Did Israel really send a message to Iran through some regional countries for mediation or to express a desire for a ceasefire? 

President Pezeshkian: Israel carried out this attack with the permission of the US In my view, it could never have taken such action without US approval. So when the US told them to back off, they retreated. Their Iron Dome has now lost the image they had built over the years. Since the Zionist regime occupied that land until today, who has been able to attack Jerusalem al-Quds or their main cities? No one. That grandeur has now been shattered.Even if it is just one bullet, the issue goes beyond numbers and statistics. They previously did not allow journalists to see anywhere. But now our journalists go from Iran and see everything. They were hit in places they didn’t even talk about. As a result, the grandeur they had constructed has broken. And now their entire effort is to rebuild that image, that display of power from the past. Naturally, we do not have advanced equipment in some areas, like special aircraft and certain tools. But we have defensive power, and if they continue, they can receive even heavier blows. We are not seeking war. We are not seeking unrest. We only defended ourselves.

 Al Jazeera: Mr. President, is there no longer any concern about the possibility of a second wave of war? Do you not see any specific signs in this regard? 

President Pezeshkian: Look, from a doctrinal perspective, Imam Ali (PBUH) stated in one of his sermons: "Do not reject a peace that your enemy calls for if you are satisfied with it, for in that is comfort for the troops, reassurance for the land, security for the concerns, and peace for the people."We have no trust in them. At any moment, they may follow the same path again. They may become greedy and once again resort to aggression. For this reason, our armed forces have prepared themselves with strength for any potential aggression. But we will not initiate any war. We will not be the initiators. This is what they project and promote globally, claiming that Iran is the source of insecurity in the region.The very day I was elected, the first thing that happened was that they came to assassinate Ismail Haniyeh. What crime had Ismail Haniyeh committed? He had come to a country; which law, which human rights system allows them to do such a thing? If there were human rights and a United Nations that truly had human criteria, it would stop these aggressions and illegal and unethical behaviors. But we see that not only does it not stop them, but when the Hague Court condemns someone, the US itself condemns the court! Because that condemnation was against its interests.Anything that is against their perspective is condemned in their eyes. And anything that benefits them, even if it is inhumane and illegal, is permissible. Based on our beliefs and convictions, we do not accept this logic. Muslims are capable. If Muslims unite, they can stand against oppression and injustice, help each other, and build a society that fills the region with security, humanity, growth, and progress; and live in peace and tranquility with all the countries of the world.Islam means peace. Islam means that you stay safe, and we stay safe. But unfortunately, we are dealing with a treacherous world. 

Al Jazeera: The President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, has stated that the attack carried out by the United States on three nuclear facilities in Iran has resulted in the destruction of the Fordow facility and the entire Iranian nuclear program. My question is, do you consider these remarks to be merely a political stance? And my second point is, how much damage has really been done to Iran's nuclear facilities, especially the Fordow site? 

President Pezeshkian: You see, the parts that we no longer have access to are the ones they targeted; they aimed at the entrances. However, our nuclear capability is not in Fordow, not in Natanz, not in Isfahan, nor in any location they targeted; our nuclear capability lies in the thoughts and minds of our human resources.We have never intended to pursue nuclear weapons. What Trump says about Iran not having nuclear weapons is not our issue at all. This matter is a religious belief. It is a clear fatwa and directive from the leadership of the Islamic Republic. And when such a belief exists, no politician who lives and operates within this system can act against it. The belief of the Islamic Republic of Iran is that we should not possess nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are a brutal, indiscriminate tool that burns everything in its path. From a human and ethical perspective, this is completely unacceptable.We are not seeking nuclear weapons. We are members of the NPT and operate within the framework of that international treaty. The question is, why does the same NPT, the same International Atomic Energy Agency, not treat us according to its own rules? Whenever we step outside the frameworks, they should come and say you have violated them.We were under their supervision. They would come, inspect, and had oversight over everything. So why do those same entities not condemn these aggressions according to those rules? According to international law, attacking nuclear facilities is prohibited; no government has the right to do such a thing. Why did they not condemn these attacks?Unfortunately, this is the reality we face in today’s world. But our response is clear: we are not seeking nuclear weapons. We are seeking security, stability, and progress within the framework of our commitments.

 Al Jazeera: Mr. President, they say that Iran should have no program for uranium enrichment. What is your response to that? 

President Pezeshkian: On what basis of international law is this?

Al Jazeera: According to their own laws.

President Pezeshkian: Well, should we accept such a thing? Are there not laws in the world? Were these organizations not created for this purpose? If these laws are to be mere tools in the hands of a select few, then they should disband these organizations. All these structures, if they are only in the hands of those who can condemn wherever they wish and suppress any power that wants to stand on its own based on those frameworks, then what is the difference? We want to live within the framework of international laws. If one day we deviate from these laws, then yes, they can come and deal with us. But when we operate within this framework, why should they bully us? Why should the world accept that some countries, like this Zionist regime, do not follow any laws? This regime accepts neither the NPT nor the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, nor does it adhere to any international laws. It tramples everything. But why do these organizations not deal with it? And if they do, the US condemns that organization! Isn’t this a sign of bullying, tyranny, and injustice? We have learned in our belief system that we should not submit to oppression. We need nuclear technology to treat our patients. We need this knowledge for progress in industry and agriculture. Why should we not have this science? What logic, what scientific and human process says that countries do not have the right to pursue knowledge? Why should we not learn? Why should Islamic countries not possess nuclear knowledge? It does not matter if it is us or any other Islamic country; if one day someone moves toward nuclear weapons, they should be stopped. We ourselves oppose the production of nuclear weapons. We oppose any warmongering, whether in the region or globally. 

Al Jazeera: Mr. President, what about uranium enrichment? Is Iran prepared to relinquish it?

 President Pezeshkian: These are not things that can be "lost." This capability, this knowledge, these skills are in the minds and abilities of our scientists. They came and targeted certain parts, thinking everything was destroyed; however, you cannot destroy the mind. Why are they hostile to our scientists? Why are they against knowledge? Because they fear awareness and knowledge. They fear the understanding of Muslims. Their focus is on the resources and reserves of Islamic countries, not on the progress and capabilities of Muslim nations. When they take these resources, they view the people with the same objectifying and demeaning perspective; a perspective that suggests they can be destroyed.In their view, we are not human. This is where the difference in our beliefs and understanding from theirs becomes evident. 

Al Jazeera: Let me ask a direct question, Mr. President: Will uranium enrichment continue within the borders of Iran in the future? Of course, within the framework of international laws.

President Pezeshkian: Yes. 

Al Jazeera: And Iran is not prepared to lose this national wealth, whether at the negotiating table or in wartime, correct?

President Pezeshkian: What is the purpose of negotiation? What does negotiation mean? How can we negotiate together when the essence of negotiation should be based on a "win-win" situation? If one side is to give orders and the other must accept, then that is not negotiation. Can this be called negotiation?When I come to talk to you and you say I must accept everything you say, and if I don’t, I will be destroyed, that is not dialogue.Negotiation must occur within a framework. There must be laws in place that allow all human beings living on this planet to coexist peacefully and harmoniously.The organizations established in the world were created for this purpose: dialogue, negotiation, and interaction. Not just to speak unilaterally and say everyone must surrender. If all the laws that have been established become ineffective, and if whatever we say must be obeyed, then why is it called the international community? Why laws? Why shared principles?So what kind of dialogue and negotiation is this? 

Al Jazeera: Well, on what basis has Iran currently announced its readiness to negotiate with the United States?

President Pezeshkian: We are ready to negotiate within the framework of international laws. The President of the United States, Mr. Trump, stated that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons. We agree with that.We are prepared for any assessments or inspections they wish to conduct. Isn't it true that our intention is not to pursue nuclear weapons? Well, that's exactly why we're ready to let international organizations come and carry out inspections.We have always operated within their oversight. If one day we step outside the framework of international laws, then they can come and deal with us. But as long as we operate within this framework, negotiations must also be based on that: lawful, transparent, and respectful. 

Al Jazeera: Does this logic still hold after the end of the war?

President Pezeshkian: Yes, this logic remains intact. You see, the planet we live on, in the scale of this galaxy, is nothing more than a small room. The Earth itself is insignificant in this vast universe. We are people on this planet, who do not even consider ourselves significant, yet we talk so much, start wars, and shed blood; for what? So that the entire region belongs to the US? Or to others? What are they ultimately trying to achieve?Our aspiration and logic is that all humans should live in peace, tranquility, and prosperity. This is the logic we have always believed in, before and after the war. 

Al Jazeera: Some in the Western world, and even in our own region, claim that Iran has weakened after the recent war; and the US intends to create a new negotiating table to pressure Iran to make concessions in areas like enrichment, missile programs, and nuclear programs.

President Pezeshkian: So after all this, Israel would be able to easily attack us, close our routes, kill us, and we should just say, "Please, we surrender"? This is exactly what some want. I only want one thing from them: to conduct a genuine assessment of the Iranian people. They know how to do assessments. Even if we accept that we achieved nothing in this war, just this one achievement is enough: our nation united in the face of this aggression; and that is the greatest achievement.A united nation cannot be defeated by any power. If they martyr me, if they eliminate a hundred people like me, thousands like me, but a nation that believes in the dignity and pride of its country and is committed to its land will never be defeated.We are at the negotiating table. And now it is our people who need to be assessed. If these analysts are honest, they should accept that this incident has strengthened the unity and cohesion of the people. Some even say we should not negotiate, and they are not few in number. But ultimately, diplomacy is a path; a way to achieve peace and tranquility. We seek peace, not tension. We seek dialogue, not war.Israel thought that if it attacked, people would flood the streets; but the opposite happened. People rallied behind a government that even some of them had issues with. This means we have turned the weakness we had into strength. We, in the government, feel obligated to appreciate these people. Just as we strive to solve our problems in the region, we must treat our own people in a way that they know we are their servants. We have not come to dictate to the people. We have come to serve them as much as we can.In fact, Israel and the US have done us a favor with their actions. They have united our people, both inside and outside, regarding their land and soil. They have united them regarding their Iran. Iranians desire the integrity of their country and abhor any form of division or national humiliation.Those who sit in the media and speak against this land in the name of Iran are not Iranians. They are agents, hired hands. Because if they were truly Iranian, they would never sell their homeland at any price. 

Al Jazeera: If a negotiating table is established between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, what will be Iran's red lines in these negotiations?

President Pezeshkian: Our framework is international law. We do not seek anything beyond that framework.You see, in any society, even in the countries where we live today, when a parliament passes a law, everyone is obligated to comply with that law. Individuals may have different tastes or mindsets, but once that issue becomes law, in order to coexist and resolve our differences, we must act within that law.The modern world, if it is truly civilized, must adhere to this logic at the international level as well. If they claim there is a global community, if the United Nations and international institutions exist, they must accept all countries, including Iran, within the framework of international laws.We have no red lines other than those international laws. But if they intend to act outside those laws, if they intend to bully us, our belief is that we should not submit to oppression.This is our red line: respect for the law and rejection of any form of bullying. When the world has sat down and written laws so that nations can live together in peace and tranquility, they must also deal with us according to those laws; neither more nor less. 

Al Jazeera: So, can I interpret your words to mean that Iran is not willing to abandon its uranium enrichment program, within the framework of international laws? And the same goes for the missile program?

President Pezeshkian: Our law, our logic, is fundamentally about why we want missiles. Let’s look at the last 200 years of Iran's history. Which country have we invaded? They constantly try to portray Iran as an aggressive country. But is there even one instance in the last 200 years where Iran has attacked another country?Which country's territorial integrity have we threatened? Who have we assassinated?Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, we have only wanted to stand on our own feet. But from the very first year, terrorism began; they targeted our scientists, our clerics, our politicians. Up to today, they have done everything to bring us down; but they have failed.With their actions, they thought they could dismantle Iran. However, the result has been that we believe even more that we should not have internal divisions in the face of foreign enemies. This logic also applies to Islamic countries. We have brotherly ties with all Islamic nations. They are our brothers. We will do everything in our power to support their growth and development.We have no ambitions or desires regarding the territorial integrity of any Islamic country. We do not have such a perspective toward any country in the world. But we can have healthy and constructive relationships based on laws that we establish ourselves, to ensure security and peace for all; based on justice and fairness, which is what God and the divine prophets have brought: to establish justice in society. All of God's scripture is meant to implement rights and justice in society, not oppression or aggression. 

Al Jazeera: In response to Iran's retaliation against the US attack on nuclear facilities, one of the actions was targeting the "Al-Udeid" base in Qatar. After this attack, reports indicated that there was a communication between you and the Emir of Qatar, and it was said that the President of Iran expressed regret during this call. Since Iran's account seems to differ from the official account of Qatar, the question is whether what happened will have a specific impact on the relations between the two countries? Or will the matter proceed in a calm and clear manner?

President Pezeshkian: I discussed this matter over the phone with the esteemed Emir of Qatar, and I also spoke with officials from other Islamic countries, including Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. We did not attack Qatar. Our target was the US military base that had conducted operations against us from Qatari soil. They attacked our territory, and we responded to their base.We have never targeted our Qatari brothers. In fact, they have supported us, and we consider ourselves their supporters. Not only do we have no issues with Qatar, but we also feel committed to the people and government of Qatar. We will do whatever we can to assist these dear ones.We have never even contemplated hostility toward Qatar or other Islamic countries, nor will we. This is a plot designed by Israel and the US to pit Muslims against each other. We have no animosity toward either Qatar or any other Islamic country. If there is a disagreement or issue, we are striving to resolve it through dialogue.If there are concerns or worries, we are ready to discuss all of them. Because we consider all these countries to be our brothers.As Imam Ali (PBUH) said in one of his sermons: “Their God is one, their prophet is one, and their book is one; has God commanded them to be in conflict?”We see no basis or justification for disagreement with our Muslim brothers. 

Al Jazeera: Mr. President, the reality is that I was in Qatar on the day of the attack and witnessed how both Qatari officials and the people, as well as foreign nationals present in Qatar, were truly shocked.Ultimately, that attack and the sounds that were heard affected the tranquility of the region and created an atmosphere of discomfort and anxiety. I convey this.

President Pezeshkian: I completely accept this concern. It was precisely for this reason that I made a phone call and spoke with the Emir of Qatar. I explained that the attack came from US bases; bases that had invaded our land from Qatari soil. The question is, in such circumstances, what were we supposed to do?We responded to the US base, not to the country of Qatar. Our target was not Qatar. However, I fully understand that those sounds and events caused concern among the people. That is why I immediately called and explained. It was never our intention to cause such an effect.But the issue is this: when the US has bases around us and is engaged in its activities, we do not interfere with them. But if we are attacked from those bases, naturally we cannot remain indifferent. We are compelled to react. 

Al Jazeera: After Iran's response to the US attack, each country in the region, especially those bordering the Persian Gulf, provided its own interpretation of this response and tried to exploit the situation in some way. In this context, an old concept has resurfaced: collective security among the countries of the region. My question is, is Iran ready to work based on this concept of collective security in the region after this war? Especially considering that some neighboring countries also share this view with Iran. How does Iran define this readiness, and what expectations does it have from other countries?

President Pezeshkian: From the moment I took on responsibility, my motto has been that we must have unity and cohesion with Islamic countries. We can ensure the security of the region ourselves through cooperation. I have always emphasized this point in meetings and discussions with presidents and leaders of Islamic countries.Why has Europe been able to remove its borders, have a common currency, and allow its people to move freely between countries? Why can't we Muslims have such common rules? Why can’t we come to an understanding and cooperate on regional security? We are capable of ensuring the security of the Persian Gulf and even the Middle East ourselves.There is absolutely no need for us to engage in conflict; not only is there no need, but we also have no right to fight among ourselves. I believe, as a human being, that we Muslims should unite with each other.As the Prophet of Islam said during the conquest of Mecca, a Muslim is a brother to another Muslim, and Muslims stand united against others.I believe in this statement. We must come together and form a united front. We are fully prepared to maintain the security and tranquility of the region in partnership with each other and within frameworks that can be established and managed according to specific regulations. And in this process, we will provide any assistance we can. 

Al Jazeera: So, in fact, this is what politicians refer to as the "Regional Collective Security Forum."

President Pezeshkian: Yes, call it whatever you want. Collective security forum, common economic forum, joint development forum, mutual coordination. Why shouldn't we carry out such initiatives together?We are not seeking any unrest. The world we live in no longer has the opportunity for war; it is a time for humanity. All prophets have come to establish justice and fairness in society. In war, no one truly benefits.We have understood well that war is detrimental to all of us. Even if we win a war, it still brings heavy damages and costs. We do not want war; we want to live in peace, with justice, alongside the nations of the region. 

Al Jazeera: Is the Islamic Republic of Iran currently reviewing its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the post-war context?

President Pezeshkian: No, we remain a member of the NPT and have no plans to withdraw from it; these claims are merely narratives put forth by the opposing side. 

Al Jazeera: After the relationship with the nature of the international agency...

President Pezeshkian: The agency has not fulfilled its duties properly. We did not say that the agency should not come; rather, we said that if it wants to enter, it must do so within a specific framework approved by the Security Council. We have not committed any violations. Unfortunately, they have reopened the same questions and past files to create a new process. But even if there is a disagreement, do Israel or the US have the right under international law to launch military attacks on nuclear facilities that are under the agency's supervision, while the agency does not react? What is the agency's duty? As a formal member of the agency, it should defend our rights, not be influenced by a country that neither accepts membership in the agency nor has any commitment to nuclear disarmament.How can Israel, by violating all international regulations, accuse us and even use the agency as a tool for pressure? We do not possess nuclear weapons; we do not bomb impoverished people; we do not block access to water, food, and medicine for people. It is Israel that commits these crimes, right in front of the eyes of the world. How can it be accepted that, under the pretext of targeting an individual, an entire residential building with all its inhabitants is destroyed? In which legal system or accepted international law is this permissible?And finally, I express my regret that some in Europe and the US support such a criminal.

 Al Jazeera: Some elites, former officials, and even public opinion in Iran have criticized Russia's position during the recent 12-day war, stating that Iran's strategic partner remained silent and did not show a tangible reaction at this critical juncture. Do you consider this complaint valid?

President Pezeshkian: Look, nothing in international relations is black and white. Even I am criticized right now, and it is natural that in the political sphere, there are differing opinions and even criticisms. However, many of these statements are sometimes made with the aim of disrupting relations and damaging ties between countries. Imam Ali (PBUH) said, "I advise you to five things... let no one among you hope for anything except for his Lord, and let him fear nothing except for his sin," meaning that no one should hope for anything other than their Creator and should fear nothing but their own sins. We too rely on God in this path, not on the support of great powers or allies.During the recent war, some countries took a stance as much as they could. Muslim countries condemned the attack on Iran to the best of their abilities. Even regarding Iraq, from where we were attacked, we do not blame the Iraqi government and people because we know they did not have the capacity to counter those aggressions. We understand this, and for this reason, we did not weaken our relations with our brothers. The same realistic perspective should be applied to other countries. We should neither fall into excessive optimism nor weaken our relationships based on black-and-white judgments. 

Al Jazeera: But Mr. President, Russia is a major power.

President Pezeshkian: Russia is also dealing with its own issues. The idea that Russia, being a major power, should necessarily take action may not align with the realities on the ground and political considerations. Of course, we maintain our communications with Russia, China, and other countries, and we will preserve these relations. However, to assume that if they are not there, we will fall, is a strategic mistake. We rely on God's power, and this belief is our main support as Muslims. 

Al Jazeera: Can we describe the current relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the two countries, Russia and China, as good and reliable?

President Pezeshkian: Our relations with Russia and China are good, and we are striving to improve them further. However, we do not expect them to put themselves in a difficult position for our sake. Every country considers its own interests, and we understand that. Just as Islamic countries condemned the recent attack by Israel, they may not have been able or willing to take further action due to circumstances. This does not mean that they are not with us. We consider all Islamic countries to be our brothers, but we must accept that each has its own constraints. 

Al Jazeera: Mr. President, given the recent extensive developments from October 7 to the direct war against Iran, some analysts believe that the Islamic Republic needs a new discourse or defense strategy. Do you believe Iran should revise its defense strategy and conceptual framework after these events?

President Pezeshkian: Our discourse remains the same as we have stated from the beginning; both before coming to power and today, and in the future. Our strategy is based on internal unity and cohesion and friendship and brotherhood with neighbors, within the framework of respect for their territorial integrity and recognized borders. This is the strategy we pursue. I believe that the Israeli attack, at the very beginning of our government’s activities, aimed to prevent the realization of this strategy; because if we can achieve cohesion within the country and simultaneously resolve existing differences or concerns with neighbors through dialogue and cooperation, and become a united front, this strategy will protect us against any threats. We want nothing but peace and tranquility, both domestically and in the region. In fact, Israel's actions have accelerated our internal cohesion; both among the people within the country and among Iranians living abroad. Now it is our turn to correct ourselves in front of those dear ones with whom we previously had disagreements or differences of opinion, or who were upset by certain behaviors or interactions, and to properly organize our relationship with them. 

Al Jazeera: Considering the previous experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran in negotiating with the United States, both directly and indirectly, sometimes even in a shared physical location like the negotiations in Iraq, and given that this process ultimately led to recent conflicts and the US attack on Iranian facilities, do you believe Iran today needs to adopt a new approach in negotiations with the United States?

President Pezeshkian: We have never shied away from negotiation and diplomacy, but there is no longer any trust or confidence in the United States, especially from the perspective of the Supreme Leader, regarding these negotiations. The reason for this is clear. We signed the JCPOA and did not withdraw from it; it was the US that withdrew. We adhered to our commitments, but they did not uphold theirs.Commitment to obligations, both from a scientific and a principled perspective, is a fundamental principle. When a covenant is made, it must be upheld. We have acted according to our beliefs regarding our commitments and expect the other party to be committed to their words and signatures in the discussions.While the media and global propaganda are in their hands, trying to portray Iran as the cause of unrest and insecurity, we do not flee from dialogue, and we seek nothing beyond legal and international frameworks. We demand rights that any free human being in this earthly world can have. We neither want to submit to oppression nor do we wish to oppress anyone.We say that it is possible to live with sincerity, intimacy, and honesty in human society; let us discuss these very principles together. We are people of dialogue, we adhere to our signatures, and we expect the other party to remain loyal to their promises. This principle has been the same in the past; there was a time when manhood was measured by how much one was committed to their pledge, even to the extent of sacrificing their life for it. But today, we live in a world where some sign agreements and then deny everything the next day; this behavior is unacceptable. 

Al Jazeera: Mr. President, as a final question: if the second phase of the war were to suddenly begin, what would be the expectations of the Iranian people and the public opinion in the region from the Islamic Republic in such sensitive circumstances?

President Pezeshkian: We are fully prepared for any potential situation. As I have emphasized before, when a ceasefire is declared or peace is established, it does not mean the end of the threat. In our tradition, it is said, "Be most cautious of your enemy after peace"; this means that we must exercise the utmost caution regarding the enemy after a peace agreement. Therefore, we do not have naive optimism and are prepared for any kind of reaction or transformation.Within the country, our greatest asset is the people. We believe that no power is greater than national unity and cohesion. At the regional level, we also believe that if Muslims are united and speak with one voice, no force, such as the Zionist regime, will be able to attack them one by one or bring them down through bombing and pressure.For me and for any free person, it is regrettable and shameful to witness innocent Muslims in Gaza, Palestine, or Syria losing their lives tragically while those who claim to advocate for human rights and democracy either remain silent in the face of these atrocities or defend the perpetrators.The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek war, but if war is imposed upon us, it will defend the territorial integrity and dignity of the Iranian people with full authority.